1- Most important selection criteria for your son's circumciser are a) experienced doctor and b) hygienic environment.

2- Do not allow someone to perform surgery on your son simply because they are cheap or close by. Be prepared to pay £120 - £200. It is a one-time event in your son's life, so don't undermine it.

3- Home circumcisions are an absolute no-go area unless performed by a well-known and experienced doctor. DO NOT put your comfort before your child’s health and safety by choosing a practitioner who comes to your home and do it on your kitchen table! It can be traumatising both for you and your son.

4- Circumcisions must be done in uncompromised hygienic conditions, such as a clinic or a hospital with sterile rooms and appropriate materials, i.e.  safe and clean instruments. Even a GP surgery may not be not hygienic enough for a circumcision.

5- The most effective local anaesthesia (L.A.) or pain killer method is a penile nerve block (PNB) where the surgeon numbs the penis by injecting anaesthetic medicine at the base of the penis to block the sensation. Creams and spray are not good enough.

6- Always ask that the numbness is fully tested before the start of the procedure and in your presence. It is your child and you have the right and the responsibility to ensure the best possible course of action for him.

7- Always ensure that you are bringing your son to a clinic / hospital where the same doctor / surgeon is able to perform different techniques (at least surgical and ring) so that in case of incompatibility of one technique with the shape, size or length of your son's penis, another technique can be successfully used on the spot. Otherwise the cosmetic aspect and growth potential of the penis may be compromised! Remember, one size does not fit all!

8- Do not trust a practitioner who claims having done the ring or other techniques for years and have never had any complications. It is impossible!

9- Circumcisions by Mogen clamp (mainly done by Mohelim - Rabbi) may not produce an end-result compatible with Muslim and African traditions and expectations. There could be either too much foreskin left or too much taken away.

10 - If you are fully decided and/or have to do it for religious or cultural reasons, the sooner it is done the better would be the overall outcome. Less distress for the child, lower risk of scars and the child won't have any memory of it.